Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification

Introduction

The Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification has five main parts, that is a Frame, Motor, Battery, Groupset, and Wheelset that can make a difference in quality.

Every brand of the electric bike has its own design specification. Sometimes it is not easy for buyers to choose the right specification that can match their needs.

Most buyers will read the customer review of the electric bike that is his preference to buy. But the review rating is poor making him hesitate to proceed with buying because of a lack of knowledge of the bike’s specification to make his own decision.

The electric bike market is actually a standardized market to sell electric bikes to match all sorts of buyer’s needs. It will tell you which electric bike is the best choice for which buyer to use. In order to buy the right specification of the electric bike it is better you communicate with the retailer about your needs before purchase an electric bike.

Related posts: how-to-buy-electric-bike-based-on-design


Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Frame:

The e-bike frame is at the central part of Electric Bike required to design correctly for safe riding. You cannot ask to replace frame structure. You can only choose the bike model with your preferable structure. The frame made to hold all the parts together to become a bike.

Knowledge of electric bike specification - Bike parts illustration diagram to familiarize the name of each component
Bike parts illustration diagram to study the importance of its component

Frame Materials

Nowadays, most e-bike frames made of aluminum alloy, which is a common material. Hummingbird Electric is the lightest electric bike at 10.3 Kg. After the lightest aerodynamic carbon frame is being used, some Ribble bikes can go down to 8.5 Kg. Other frame materials are steel, titanium, or Superlite alloy developed by the brand fabricator.

The frame has many designed models, making the electric bikes more stylish in look and adorable.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Frame on the market:

Model #1 – Diamond Frame Bike.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification - Know the Diamond frame bike which is modelled #1 most common bicycle frame.
Diamond frame bike showing model #1 most common bicycle frame.

The most common frame design for an upright bicycle is based on the safety bicycle and consists of two triangles: the main triangle and a paired rear triangle. This is known as the diamond frame. In the diamond frame, the main “triangle” is not actually a triangle because it consists of four tubes: the head tube, top tube, down tube, and seat tube. The rear triangle consists of the seat tube joined by pairing chain stays and seat stays. The diamond frame is the lightest, strongest, and the lower frame among other frames.

Model #2 – Cantilever Frame Bike

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification - Know the Cantilever Frame Bike which is modelled #2 bicycle frame
Cantilever Frame Bike showing model #2, the oldest designed bicycle frame.

Cantilever frames are popular on the cruiser bicycle, the low rider bicycle, and the wheelie bike. The cantilever design helps to strengthen the frame and the outlook as stylish.

Model #3 – Step-through Frame Bike

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification - Know the Step-through frame bike which is model #3 bicycle frame
Step-through frame bike showing model #3 bicycle frame

A step-through frame is a type of bicycle frame, often used for utility bicycles, with a low or absent top tube or cross-bar. Plus point for the step-through frame is the extra clearance in the frame made it possible to maintain modesty while pedaling in a skirt. It’s easier for people to step over the lower bar.

Model #4 – Monocoque Frame Bike

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification - Know the Monocoque Frame Bike which is modelled #4 bicycle frame
Monocoque Frame Bike showing model #4 bicycle frame

A Monocoque frame consists only of a hollow shell with no internal structure.

Monocoque is a term commonly used to describe modern carbon fiber bicycle frames. Most bikes feature a monocoque front triangle, with the seat stays and chain stays produced separately and later bonded together. Or more correctly termed as a semi-Monocoque, or modular Monocoque.

The benefits of the monocoque chassis construction are better to ride dynamics. The floor pan can be placed much lower on a Monocoque construction, giving the vehicle a lower center of gravity – better balancing and cornering.

Model #5 – Cross or girder frame bike

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification - Know the Cross or girder frame bike which is model #5 bicycle frame
Cross or girder frame bike showing model #5 bicycle frame

A cross frame consists mainly of two tubes that form a cross: a seat tube from the bottom bracket to the saddle, and a backbone from the head tube to the rear hub. A cross frame is quite similar to a diamond frame with two triangles. The cross frame structure is strong and rigid, it is the most commonly used frame in the market.

A strong e-bike frame keeps you rider safe:

  • An e-bike frame has to be light and rigid, can take falling impact not an accident. The e-bike frame will not be broken subject to high impact to ensure the rider has a lower risk during accidents.
  • The steel frame is strong, cheap, and safe to use, but consumed energy due to weight.
  • The aluminum-alloy frame is light, rigid, cheap, and energy-saving – the most choice for buyers.
  • Although the carbon frame is the lightest, rigid, energy-saving, riding comfort and fun, but expensive. If you are affordable pay, it is worth buying to get high satisfaction for riding.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Motor:

Wheel Motors

The two most common types of motors used in electric bicycles are hub motor and mid-drive motor. The hub motor is either direct-drive or using geared motor units. The motor is built into the wheel hub itself, while the stator is fixed solidly to the axle, and the magnets are attached to and rotating with the wheel. The most commonly used in the market is the rear hub motor which is a brushless DC motor. The below image showing how the rear hub is fixing up with its control system.

Rear Hub Motor Fixing Arrangement
Rear Hub Motor Fixing Arrangement

Mid-Drive Motor

The mid-drive system is increasing in popularity. The mid-drive motor is a geared motor unit. The propulsion is provided at the pedals rather than at the wheel, being eventually applied to the wheel via the bicycle’s standard drive train. The mid-drive motor design is more sophisticated than the hub motor, thus it costs a much higher price to pay.

Structural design of mid-drive motor
Structural design of mid-drive motor

Pros and Cons of Hub Motor:

Pros of Hub Motor:
  • The most commonly used motor type budgeted electric bikes.
  • Availability in the market.
  • Instantaneous acceleration helps the beginner get balancing easily.
  • Ability to drive without the help of a motor when the battery is flat.
Cons of Hub Motor:
  • A higher wheel load at the rear caused more wear to parts.
  • Lower sensitivity for motor power dosage – depending on the type of the sensor used.
  • High level of engine noise to move the rear wheel especially uphill riding.
  • Inefficient energy management at higher loads caused battery drain out faster.

Pros and Cons of Mid-drive Motor:

Pros of Mid-drive Motor:
  • Higher performance in uphill and energy saving.
  • Simple service – can dismantle the whole piece for repair.
  • Quiet and smooth motor operation so less heat generated has better reliability.
  • Optimum balance and weight distribution – better riding and cornering.
  • By choosing the right gear in the ride, you can control both the speed of the bike and the motor, so you can achieve the optimum speed at lower energy use.
Cons of the Mid-drive motor:
  • Can cause more wear on the chain and cogs – frequently checking on the parts wear is required for a smooth ride.
  • Higher sensitivity adjustment and gearshift accuracy – the rider has to learn gear choice from the riding experience.
  • When riding without battery assist, gear motor resistance is possible – harder for the rider to ride back when the battery is flat.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Motor in the market:

Model #1 – Bafang Hub Motor

Bafang rear-hub motor showing model #1 electric bike motor
Bafang hub motor showing model #1 electric bike motor

The Bafang hub motor has the best in class pedal assist, offers a lot of power and torque, is really versatile, and can be installed relatively easily. The only con point is its controller reliability. Combine use with the Shimano controller can solve this weak issue. The most choice for an electric bike beginner.

Model #2 – Bosch Mid-drive motor

Bosch Mid-drive motor as model #2 motor in the market
Bosch Mid-drive motor as model #2 motor in the market

The Bosch mid-drive motor allows the rider to power the rear wheel via the same chain and gear set as the pedals, which means that a low gear can be selected for powering up steep hills or accelerating from a stop with massive torque. A Bosch mid-drive motor offers a more natural, smooth, and powerful cycling experience. The most choice for a skilled rider.

Guide to choosing a motor matching your needs:

  • Hub motor is the right choice for city commuting or neighborhood visiting. If you are the first time buying electric bikes, the hub motor will serve your need well.
  • If you frequently need climbing a steep slope or go for adventure riding in the wood, a mid-drive motor is a better choice than a hub motor.
  • Viewing from the motor specification:
    • A high voltage battery can store more electrical energy.
    • A high voltage motor consumed more electrical energy.
    • High power motor gives a higher speed of an electric bike.
    • High torque motor can climb a slope with a higher speed.
    • The 250W motor used by electric bikes can climb slopes, but with a lower speed depending on the torque of the motor.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Battery:

Battery systems in use include sealed lead-acid (SLA), nickel-cadmium (NiCad), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), or lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion).

The most commonly used e-bike battery is a lithium-ion polymer having a high recharging cycle of 800 to 1000. The latest model is the Lithium Iron Phosphate model. NiCad recharging period about 500. And the sealed lead-acid, recharging cycle is as low as 300 only.

Generally, it costs roughly 8 cents to charge an electric bike battery. And most cells can get a travel range of 20 and 40 miles per charge, that’s a total of 250 to 500 miles on just $1 worth of electricity.

Read more details: Electric bike’s batteries – everything you need to know.

Lithium-ion Battery or Li-ion Battery

A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery. In the batteries, the lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge, and back when charging. Li-ion batteries use an intercalated lithium compound as the material at the positive electrode and typically graphite at the negative electrode. The cells in E-bike battery packs should be connected in serial-parallel, cell balance is one of the most important factors determining the product quality.

The batteries will influence the speed and duration of the e-bike.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Battery on the market:

Model #1 – Samsung SDI Li-ion battery 500 Wh

Samsung SDI provides high capacity 3.5Ah (35E) cells for E-bikes. High capacity cells, such as 3.5 Ah improve the driving distance of the E-bike and provide convenience to the customers. Samsung SDI Li-ion battery cells are preferred by high-end E-bike makers and driving unit companies that lead the E-bike market.

Samsung SDI Battery Pack as model #1 electric bike battery in the market
Samsung SDI Battery Pack

Model #2 – X-go Electric Bike Battery

The X-go electric bike battery is 36V/48V 10.5AH, suitable for 500W motor. Maximum constant discharge current: 25A. Comes with a charger: 42v 2A. The charging time is about 3~5 hours; moreover, the charge cycle exceeds 1000 times, life expectancy of up to 5 years.

X-go Ebike Battery 36V or 48V 10.5 Ah as model #2 electric bike battery in the market.
X-go Ebike Battery 36V or 48V 10.5 Ah

Model #3 – Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh Internal Battery

  • Name of Battery – SL1-320.
  • The capacity is 320 Wh.
  • The weight of the Battery is 1.8 kg only.
  • It claimed to have 130 km of travel range for one charge.
  • A battery with 320Wh can provide 80 miles travel range.
  • Save weight for every component of the Battery.
Specialized internal battery 320Wh as model #3 electric bike internal battery in the market.
Specialized internal battery 320Wh

Guide to choosing a battery matching your needs:

  • A high capacity battery supports a higher travel range.
  • Most budget electric bikes have a travel range of 20 miles to 30 miles only.
  • The X-go type of battery is the most use in the electric bike market.
  • For daily commuting in the city, the X-go type of external battery is a perfect choice.
  • Most branded electric bikes use an internal battery developed by own self to fit into the bike frame for a sleek look. The battery cell use for the battery pack is either a Samsung SDI cell or a Bosch power cell.

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Wheel and Tire:

The wheel diameter have 16″, 20″, 22″, 26″ or even 27″ or 29″ to fit different height of people. The normal tire width is 1.75″. The higher wheel size of 29″ electric bikes used for cross-country riding.

For a comfortable drive of an electric bike, both legs of the rider must be able to touch the ground with ease. A tall man should choose a huge size electric bike for a comfortable drive.

Folding electric bikes use a smaller wheel size of 16″ or 20″ for easy carrying. But folding electric bikes always come with an extended high seat post for tall people.

The wheel and tire quality play a critical role in the use and enjoyment of electric bikes. Tires with puncture protection will keep you safe and require less frequent maintenance, while tires with reflective sidewall graphics will keep you more visible when riding at higher speeds and in traffic.

In earlier times, flat tires use for riding on the beach. But nowadays many mountain bikes use flat tires and smaller wheel sizes to improve balance. Some city bikes also designed with plus-sized tires for improved comfort and balance during riding.

Bike wheels are important to your cycling experience. A great wheel set can transform the performance of your bike and choosing whether to go with clinchers, tubeless, or carbon wheels is a major decision.

About Wheel Rims:

The wheel rims play a big part in determining your e-bike durability, the overall rotating weight of the wheel, and how the bike reacts under braking. Generally rims come in shallow section (less than 25mm in depth), midsection (40mm in depth or less), and deep section (anything deeper than 40mm)

Type of Bike’s Wheelset in the market

Model #1 – Shadow Section Wheel

The shadow section wheel is common on entry-level wheels as they are well priced and have a healthy strength to weight ratio, giving the rider a comfortable riding experience.
The shallow section wheels are a great all-round wheel and suitable for all types of riding. There are many different models and types, which can range from entry-level to top-of-the-range, lightweight, carbon fiber climbing models.

The Shimano RS 170s Clincher Wheelset is entry-level disc brake ownership, but not the lightest set of wheels on the market, they are strong and well made, so should be ideal for the odd excursion onto gravel tracks and bridleways.

Shimano RS 170 Clincher Wheelset as model #1 Wheelset in the market
Shimano RS 170 Clincher Wheelset
Shimano RS 170 Clincher Wheelset Rim Bed as model #1 Wheelset Rim Bed image
Shimano RS 170 Clincher Wheelset Rim Bed
Model #2 – Mid-Section Wheelset

A mid-section wheel set can reap the benefits of a lightweight rim, combined with the aerodynamic gains of a deeper section. Some riders, highly recommend mid-section wheel for all-round use, as they’re light enough for climbing and fast enough for the flat roads.

The new Reynolds AR 41 DB Wheelset provides very good aero performance for every day riding or racing and hilly sportives, with easy tubeless installation, and all at a competitive price that stands up well in a saturated carbon wheel market.

Reynolds AR 41 DB Wheelset as model #2 wheelset in the market
Reynolds AR 41 DB Wheelset
Model #3 – Deep Section Wheelset

Deep section wheels get the biggest aerodynamic gains for the road riding speed. The deep section wheel cut through the wind with ease and make a fast-moving experience of the riders. The deep section wheel is suited for flat terrain since this is where aerodynamics play a greater role. With the technological advancements in manufacturing, they can be light enough even for riding in the mountains.

The Fast Forward F9R wheel set is a very deep, superfast, efficient offering designed to challenge the mantle of the Zipp 808 as the benchmark for deep aero wheel sets.

Fast FWD F9R wheelset as model #3 clincher wheelset in the market
Fast FWD F9R wheelset

Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification – Groupset:

Components of the groupset:

  • Gear levers or shifters
  • Brake levers
  • Integrated brake levers/shifters
  • Brakes, front, and rear
  • Derailleurs rear
  • Bottom bracket
  • Crank set
  • Chain
  • Freewheel, or cassette

Popular Brands of Groupsets:

The major Groupset manufacturers are Campagnolo for road bicycles and Shimano and SRAM for both road and mountain bikes. Dura-Ace, Super Record, and Red are the top-of-the-line road racing Groupsets for Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM respectively, while Claris, Veloce, and Apex are their entry-level road racing Groupsets, respectively.

The Need of Groupset depends on Rider’s Needs

For saving initial investment to buy an electric bike, the gear shifting is not the MUST item for daily commuting in the city. Many budgeted electric bikes can be a single speed to bring down the price.

Using a gear shifter, the rider can adjust lower gear for uphill and higher gear for the flat road, it can help to save the battery energy. With this purpose of use, an entry-level Groupset already can satisfy the need of the riders.

With the use of outstanding Groupset and lighter in weight for the whole bikes can save the battery size and increase in longer travel range. The choice of the Groupset is depending on the individual liking, every dollar you spend on the electric bike, you will get back the value of riding satisfaction.


Conclusion

Electric bikes designed to suit all kinds of buyer’s needs and liking. The new models keep evolving out to satisfy different buyer’s needs, and the combination of main parts becomes complicated.

In this article, I can only extract some of the details to ensure readers know some knowledge about electric bike specification to choose the electric bike they want to buy. Knowledge of electric bike specification is too wide to mention everything here. I hope this article can give you some idea when you are deciding to buy an electric bike.

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19 thoughts on “Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification”

  1. I have always known that the mechanism for these electric bikes were so complex but I must admit, this article simplify them and further provides clarity on the components are are too difficult to comprehend. The benefits of using these e-bikes are enormous and that’s why I love them. Thanks for sharing these details.

    Reply
    • I hope can help buyers make the right choice when in the process of buying an electric bike. Thanks for giving your comment. You are welcome.

      Reply
  2. my love for bikes increased after i came across a friend’s electric bike. i have read more about them and i would like to purchase one for myself. i am glad i got to learn more about the parts of the bike including the wheels and tire. now i can really decide how i want my electric bike to be.

    Reply
    • I am happy can give you some helpful information. Thank for giving a good comment to me. I need more hard work to prepare better content.

      Reply
  3. Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Electric bikes are very comfortable and I can easily travel anywhere using them.Because of my short distance, I took less battery power.The office is very close to my house so I took my electric bike battery 36V 12 Ah battery.With the backup of this battery I can travel from home to office and from office to home.Also the electric bikes are very nice to look at and the frames are nice.

    Reply
  4. Thank you so much for sharing such an excellent article with us. Your article was interesting and informative. I have got a lot of information about Knowledge of Electric Bike Specification. I’ve been thinking about buying a bike for a while. I was searching for different ways to find where to find good quality bikes. After reading your article and looking at pictures of bikes, I found a bike I like and I want to buy Frame Raptor 140 – Special feature is designed with a comfortable seat and outside appearance looks likes a motorcycle. I will share your article with my friends so that my friends can read your article and collect E-bikes. I have bookmarked your website so I can come back to you later. I wish you all the best. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Thank you for support us. I appreciate your kindness to assist advertise our website. With your help, I hope more people will see the value of electric bike which is safe in speed and fun in usage.

      Reply
  5. Hey, I enjoy a lot while reading your article on Electric bike and find it very useful for everyone. While reading I know that Electric bike frame designed for its total outlook, attract the eye of the different buyer like fashion clothing. Most of the electric bikes installed with a new brushless motor or a traditional brush motor with different capacities in power. Your awesome guide helped me to choose one for me.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your valuable comments. Your comment helps us to make more content for the reader. You are always welcome to visit us. Cheer.

      Reply
  6. Hiya Best Buy

    Thank you for your interesting article about electric bikes, I really enjoyed it. I have bookmarked it as I know I want to learn more and your site seems to be the right place to go for that. I didn’t realise there was so much choice available and it’s good to see a more environmentally friendly alternative to vehicles. I use a powered wheelchair, is it possible to get an electric bike that you don’t actually need to pedal at all (or is that a pony!) sorry joking apart are there any low to know effort options for people like myself with very limited energy and zero flexibility? 

    Ngl they’re kinda ugly too! The ones that look more like traditional bikes are OK, but I find the ones with panels on quite unattractive. Are there plans to make them prettier? When they make a pretty, purple one which is powered by speech then I’m getting on board. Thank you for providing me with the means to make an informed choice. Krs PurpleLioness 

    Reply
    • Thanks for giving so much your idea for a suitable E-bike. Nothing is impossible. Class II electric bike is 100% using the throttle and regardless of pedaling or not. Pedal is use only when battery has no power. Pedal exist to be classified as bicycle for some countries.

      If I found a pretty purple E-Bike with speed, I will let you know. But speed above 28 miles/hr is considered unsafe for E-Bike.

      All the questions you asked will be remembered and keep in my search. Will notify you later. You are welcome to ask any question regarding E-bike to me.

      Reply
  7. Hi Stephen,

    Thanks for this detailed, well structured article which is good both as an initial source of information and as a future reference. I have learnt a lot about electric bikes here.

    I am impressed by the step-through frame which has “the extra clearance in the frame making it possible to maintain modesty while pedaling in a skirt”. It is a fact that there are ladies whom you can never get out of a skirt, even in the Twenty-first century. And some do like biking – so what should they do? This frame solves the problem.

    Regards.

    Reply
    • Hi Teboho,

      Thanks for your support and comments given here. I hope you can visit us again when you are looking for an electric bike. Or you have any questions about electric bikes you are welcome to ask us. Here is a link related to the electric bike for the lady, if you are interested you can read here. Women electric bikes sale

      Reply
  8. Hello Stephen, 

    Getting an electric bike, one needs to be careful while making your decisions and with all the various electric bikes available there are bound to be some poor ones which you have to be careful with. I haven’t bought my one electric bike but I look forward to doing that and that’s why I have been reading reviews to learn more about them. 

    Reply
    • I am happy to hear that our article can give you some help. I hope you can find the right bike you want sooner.

      You are welcome to visit our website for reading other articles. We have the best-budgeted bike like Schwinn EC1, FIIDO L2, and ANCHEER Adult mountain bike which is less than $1,000. Or you like a high-end bike with a price below $3,000 you can find from Best Buy JUICED Bikes, Cube Electric Bikes Sale, or Cannondale Bosch Electric Bike from our website. I attached a link here for your reading. Cube Electric Bikes Sale

      You are welcome to ask any questions regarding electric bikes.

      Reply
  9. Hi,

    My opinion about the topic knowledge of electric bike specification, electric bike also known as e-bike is a motor assisted pedal bike, they look often like a conventional pedal cycle, it include a rechargeable battery and motor, alleviating some.of the pressure of pedalling. The cyclist can choose to use the battery meaning when the cyclist pedals, the motor begins to run to take some of the strain of cycling. The electric bike specification are motor, battery, frame, groupset, and wheelset,  types of electric bike are motor versatile bike, best cargo bike, light cargo bike, affordable bike and lots more. Do electric bike reduce stress, yes because the stress of pedalling will be reduced.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Aluko.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your support of electric bikes. The motor helps the rider to relax in cycling. Every buyer has to consider what they get from these five main parts to make the decision of buying. You are welcome to visit us again or ask any questions related to the electric bike. Thank you.

      Reply

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